We added our internal baffle system as well as our 50-micron bronze filter. Here’s a shot of the fully assembled can, ready for mock-up!

Mishimoto catch can assembledMishimoto catch can assembled

Now that we had both a prototype lid and a fabricated mounting bracket, we could install these components together and set up our lines properly.

Mishimoto catch can mock-upMishimoto catch can mock-upMishimoto catch can mock-up

Hose Routing and Mock-Up

We are now at the point of putting together our molded hoses, which will make this kit a direct-fit, bolt-on upgrade.

The most difficult portion of this would be snaking the line around the rear of the engine compartment, so we started our lines there. Using silicone pieces, we cut and assembled our planned shape for the hoses coming off the intake and the valve cover port.

Mishimoto catch can line routingMishimoto catch can line routing

One of our goals here was to avoid the need to trim or cut any portion of your engine cover. With some creative line routing we were able to achieve this. Once we made it around the rear of the engine, straight lengths could be used to finish off the lines.

Mishimoto catch can line routingMishimoto catch can line routingMishimoto catch can line routing

As with other oil catch can kits for the N54, we do require that the stock plastic connections be separated from the stock hose. This is rather simple with help from a heat gun or hair dryer to expand and loosen the fitting from the hose. This fitting can then be attached to the lines included with our kit.

Stock fitting separation

Below is a shot showing the inner diameter of the stock fitting (left) compared to the fittings sized for our E90-specific catch can lid (right). As noted earlier in this series, to accommodate our standard catch can we designed this new lid with the correctly sized fittings to avoid necking down the line size. This way we could prevent introducing a restriction into the system.

Thanks for checking out our post! We do not intend to dyno test this particular product, nor do we expect to see any power gains with the catch can installation. This particular component should be seen as more of a supporting modification or a modification in terms of preventative maintenance. We do expect this product to extend the service interval for intake valve cleaning.

It is certainly possible. We have been working on a variety of projects for the 3-series E46 (non-M models) including an aluminum radiator, aluminum expansion tank, intake system, and intake boots. A catch can is certainly on our radar as a potential future project. The DI engines typically have far greater valve buildup compared to a port injection model, which is why we have been targeting those vehicles for our initial kits.

Thanks for taking a look at our blog and for taking the time to comment. Feedback is always welcome and definitely helps shape changes to our products and/or additions to our product line.

A dipstick or sight tube for our baffled units has been one of the primary requests from existing and potential customers. This feature was not included in our existing design for aesthetic purposes. That being said, we are currently evaluating our entire catch can lineup with the intention to either improve our existing offerings or bring to market something new. This feedback definitely adds to what we currently have, and will be very helpful. Keep an eye on our blog for the next few months and you will likely see some information about catch can projects.

Unfortunately a custom project is not exactly something we can tackle at the moment. That being said, a dipstick inclusion is very likely on our upcoming project.